What are Speed Bumps and Road Humps?\n\nSpeed bumps, commonly referred to as road humps in official UK regulations, are physical traffic-calming features installed across the road surface. Their primary purpose is to slow down motor vehicles, reducing the risk of collisions and protecting vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists. They are most frequently located in high-risk zones, such as school areas, residential estates, shopping precincts, and car parks. By physically forcing drivers to reduce speed, they significantly lower the likelihood and severity of accidents.\n\n## Different Types of Traffic-Calming Features in Great Britain\n\nWhile often collectively referred to as speed bumps, the Highway Code and the Department for Transport (DfT) classify these vertical deflection devices into several distinct designs, each serving a specific structural purpose:\n\n* Road Humps: These are traditional round-topped raised sections spanning the entire width of the carriageway, forcing all standard passenger vehicles to slow down significantly, usually to under 15 mph.\n* Speed Cushions: These are smaller, rectangular raised pads placed in pairs or trios across the lane. They are carefully spaced so that large vehicles, such as ambulances and fire engines with wider wheelbases, can straddle them without slowing down, while standard passenger cars must still ride over them with at least one wheel.\n* Speed Tables: These are flat-topped, long speed humps. They often span the full width of the road and are frequently combined with zebra crossings (sometimes referred to as flat-topped crossings), allowing pedestrians to cross at a level height while slowing approaching traffic.\n\n## How to Safely Approach and Drive Over Speed Bumps\n\nSafe driving around speed bumps requires proactive hazard perception and smooth vehicle control. When you spot a warning sign or see a speed bump ahead, check your mirrors to assess the traffic behind you. Smoothly ease off the accelerator and apply gentle braking before reaching the bump, rather than braking harshly directly on top of it. Select an appropriate gear, usually second gear, to maintain a steady speed of around 10 to 15 mph. Release the footbrake just before your front tyres make contact with the bump to allow your front suspension to absorb the impact naturally. Maintain a steady, slow pace as you cross over, and accelerate smoothly only once your rear wheels have completely cleared the feature.\n\n## Common Exam Pitfalls and Driving Test Expectations\n\nOn your DVSA practical driving test, driving examiners will closely monitor how you handle speed bumps. A common mistake is failing to check mirrors before slowing down, which can lead to a driver behind colliding with you. Another critical error is driving over a speed bump too fast, which can cause discomfort to passengers or damage the test vehicle\u2014both of which can result in a serious (major) fault and an automatic test failure. Conversely, braking excessively hard at the last second or weaving around speed cushions in a dangerous manner to avoid them will also be penalised. Keep your vehicle centered in your lane and maintain a disciplined, steady pace.